magnetosphere

noun mag·ne·to·sphere \ mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir , -ˈne- \

Updated on: 28 Mar 2018

Definition of magnetosphere

: a region of space surrounding a celestial object (such as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it

—

magnetospheric

play \-ˌnē-tə-ˈsfir-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adjective

See magnetosphere defined for kids

Recent Examples of magnetosphere from the Web

Lasting from Wednesday through Thursday, the geomagnetic storm will also impact the Earth’s magnetosphere — or magnetic field, which is impacted by changing solar winds.

— jennifer calfas, Time, "A Solar Storm Could Bring Spectacular Northern Lights Tonight. Here’s How You Can See Them," 14 Mar. 2018
As well as studying the aurora and magnetosphere, Juno also helps scientists probe the gravitational field of Jupiter’s interior in exquisite detail by monitoring small tweaks to the spacecraft’s orbit—down to 1,900 miles below the clouds.

— andrew coates, Newsweek, "NASA Juno Unlocks Secrets of Jupiter's Mega Cyclone Clusters," 8 Mar. 2018
The probe's mission is to learn more about the planet's origins, structure and magnetosphere.

— doyle rice, USA TODAY, "9 massive cyclones with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds discovered on Jupiter," 7 Mar. 2018
Whistling sounds are punctuated by a resounding boom at the moment the craft enters Jupiter’s magnetosphere.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Celebrate Halloween With These Unsettling Sounds From Outer Space," 31 Oct. 2017
Researchers won’t get more detailed data until 2029, when the ESA’s Juice probe arrives at the planet to investigate its atmosphere and magnetosphere.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Jupiter’s Auroras Are Surprisingly Out of Sync," 3 Nov. 2017
The bow shock is formed by the collision of stellar wind with the planet's magnetosphere.

— samantha mathewson, NBC News, "Looking for a Halloween Playlist? NASA Shares Universe's Spooky Sounds," 31 Oct. 2017
The magnetosphere is a cavity in space created by the solar wind generated by Saturn's magnetic poles.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Saturn's Rings Rain Methane Down on Planet," 16 Oct. 2017
This radiation from the Sun scatters charged particles in the Earth's magnetosphere, forcing them into the atmosphere where their energy dissipates in colorful bursts.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Using 18th-Century Writings and Illustrations, Scientists Model an Ancient Magnetic Storm," 6 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magnetosphere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.